Packing lunch in 2017 isn’t just about tossing a sandwich in a bag anymore. With busy schedules, health goals, and rising food costs, more people are trying to bring their own meals to school, work, or on the go. But let’s be honest lunch-packing can feel like a chore.
1. Bento Box Lunch Containers
These are more than just lunch boxes — they’re like little trays with separate spaces for everything. A bento box keeps your sandwich from getting soggy next to your fruit, and your crackers away from your salad. Great for picky eaters or anyone who likes their lunch organized. They’re also perfect if you’re into portion control or meal prep.
2. Reusable Sandwich Bags
Throw away fewer plastic bags by switching to reusable ones. These soft, zip-top bags come in fun colors and patterns, and they’re easy to wash. They’re great for sandwiches, chips, fruit, and even cookies. Bonus: you’ll save money and help the planet.
3. Thermos Food Jar
Want to bring hot lunch like soup, chili, or pasta? A good thermos jar keeps your food warm for hours — so you can enjoy a cozy, home-cooked meal at school or the office. Some models even work for cold foods like yogurt or smoothies.
4. Insulated Lunch Tote
Ditch the brown paper bag. A well-made lunch tote keeps your food cold (or warm), fits your containers easily, and comes in styles from sporty to elegant. Some even come with outside pockets for your phone or utensils.
5. Ice Packs
Even if you have an insulated bag, ice packs help keep your lunch fresh. You can find cute shapes (like penguins or stars for kids), slim packs that fit anywhere, or flexible gel packs for wrapping around drinks and fruit.
6. Mini Dressing & Sauce Containers
Ever packed a salad and had it go soggy by lunchtime? These tiny, leakproof containers are perfect for keeping dressings and sauces separate until you’re ready to eat. No spills, no mess — just fresh-tasting lunch.
7. Stackable Meal Prep Containers
Want to pack lunches for the whole week at once? Stackable containers make it easy to cook a few meals, portion them out, and grab one each morning. They’re microwave-safe, freezer-friendly, and help you stick to healthy eating goals.
8. Reusable Cutlery Set
No more hunting for plastic forks in the breakroom. A reusable utensil set — usually a fork, spoon, knife, and even chopsticks — comes in its own pouch and fits in your lunch bag. Many are made from stainless steel, bamboo, or wheat straw.
9. Salad Shaker Jar
This tall container keeps your lettuce crisp and toppings crunchy. You layer everything inside, put dressing in the top compartment, then shake it up when it’s time to eat. It’s like having a restaurant salad on the go.
10. Portion-Control Containers
If you’re watching your carbs, protein, or calories, portion containers help take the guesswork out of lunch. Use color-coded boxes or divided plates to pack just the right amount of each food group — no measuring spoons required.
11. Wrap & Burrito Holders
Tired of your wrap falling apart in your hands? These clever holders keep your burritos, wraps, or even pita sandwiches neat and mess-free. Some are made of silicone or paperboard, and many are microwave-safe too.
12. Fruit & Veggie Slicers
Chopping fruits and vegetables can take forever. Apple slicers, grape cutters, and even avocado tools make food prep faster and safer. They’re especially helpful for packing lunches for little kids.
13. Silicone Muffin Cups (Snack Dividers)
These flexible, colorful cups are more than just for baking. You can use them inside larger containers to keep different snacks or toppings separated — great for trail mix, pretzels, raisins, and more.
14. Condiment-to-Go Cups
Sometimes, all you need is a little ketchup or peanut butter — not a whole jar. These tiny containers make it easy to bring just a spoonful or two, and they seal tightly so nothing leaks in your bag.
15. Mini Rice Cooker or Desk Steamer
These small electric gadgets are perfect if you want to cook fresh lunch at the office. Just add rice, water, or vegetables, plug it in, and eat hot food without waiting in line for the microwave.
16. Soup Cup with Built-In Spoon
This container is designed especially for soup lovers. It stays warm for hours and has a foldable spoon built into the lid — so you’re never stuck slurping from the lid or hunting for silverware.
17. Snack Tower / Stackable Jars
Need snacks on the go? These containers twist together like a tower, with different layers for nuts, crackers, yogurt toppings, or even candy. Just twist off what you need, and stack the rest for later.
18. Lunchbox Notes & Stickers
Want to brighten someone’s lunch — or your own? Leave a funny note, a reminder, or a bit of encouragement with cute lunchbox stickers or tear-out notes. Especially popular with kids, but adults love them too!
19. Portable Blender Bottle
Perfect for smoothies, protein shakes, or even iced coffee. Some bottles let you blend your drink right in the cup using a small battery or plug-in base. Others have special compartments for protein powder, nuts, or fruit.
20. Microwave-Safe Lunch Bowls
Some containers don’t heat evenly — but these bowls are designed to warm your lunch safely and evenly. Great for soups, stir-fries, or casseroles. Look for ones with vented lids and stay-cool handles.
21. On-the-Go Cutlery Cleaner
If you’re using reusable silverware, this cleaner lets you wash it even when you’re not at home. Some are compact sponge boxes, others are like mini wipes or sprays — ideal for travelers or commuters.
22. Avocado Keeper
Avocados are delicious but spoil fast once opened. These keepers are shaped to fit a half avocado and keep it fresher, greener, and firmer longer. Some even come with a pit holder.
23. Portable Food Warmer
Want to heat your lunch without a microwave? This plug-in lunch box slowly warms your food right at your desk or car. Just plug it into an outlet (or car adapter), wait 30–40 minutes, and enjoy a hot meal.
24. Reusable Food Pouches
Great for applesauce, smoothies, yogurt, or baby food. Fill them up, zip them shut, and wash them out after use. They’re eco-friendly, fun, and easy to pack in lunch bags.
25. Lunch Planner Pad
This simple tool helps you plan your lunches for the week and make your grocery list. Stick it on your fridge, write out your menu, and you’ll always know what to pack the next day.
26. Meal Prep Cookbook or Guide
Feeling stuck or bored with the same lunch? A meal prep cookbook gives you fresh ideas and recipes designed for packing everything from grain bowls to bento combos to mason jar salads.
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